Stephen A. Smith criticizes Chicago Bears
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith criticized the Chicago Bears after their 31 to 7 loss to the Green Bay Packers on October 11, 2026. The game took place at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin.
During ESPN’s First Take on October 12, Smith addressed Chicago’s comments before the rivalry game. He supported Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin, who criticized the Bears after Green Bay secured its home victory.
Chicago Bears lose by 24 points
The Chicago Bears suffered a 24-point defeat against the Green Bay Packers during Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season. Chicago entered the matchup with 3 wins and 1 loss.
Green Bay scored 14 points before halftime and added another 17 points during the final 2 quarters. Chicago managed its only touchdown in the second quarter and failed to score after halftime.
Luther Burden III makes bold prediction
Chicago Bears receiver Luther Burden III made comments about the Green Bay Packers before their October 11 matchup. He said Chicago wanted to beat Green Bay badly enough to make its players quit.
Burden’s remarks followed Chicago’s recent victories over Green Bay, including a playoff win during the previous season. His prediction received renewed attention after the Packers defeated the Bears by 24 points at Lambeau Field.
Stephen A. Smith defends Zaire Franklin
Stephen A. Smith supported Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin after Franklin responded to Chicago’s pregame comments. During ESPN’s October 12 broadcast, Smith said he had no problem with Franklin criticizing the Bears.
Smith questioned the confidence behind Chicago’s remarks about making Green Bay quit. His response focused on the importance of respecting professional opponents, particularly when previous victories do not guarantee another successful result.
Zaire Franklin responds to Luther Burden
Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin criticized Chicago receiver Luther Burden III following the October 11 game. Franklin questioned Burden’s earlier prediction that the Bears could make Green Bay’s players quit during the matchup.
Franklin also suggested that Burden failed to support his comments through his performance on the field. His response followed a game in which Green Bay’s defense intercepted 3 passes and recovered 2 fumbles.
Green Bay Packers force 5 turnovers
The Green Bay Packers forced 5 turnovers against the Chicago Bears on October 11, 2026. Green Bay recorded 3 interceptions and recovered 2 fumbles while committing no turnovers during its home victory.
Chicago finished with a turnover margin of negative 5, according to the Bears’ official game recap. The Packers scored 15 points following those turnovers, helping them secure a 31 to 7 victory.
Fun fact: Chicago went 17–7 against Green Bay from 1979 through 1991, including an 8-game winning streak. Under Mike Ditka, the Bears went 14–4 against the Packers from 1983 through 1991.
Jordan Love throws for 367 yards
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 25 of 31 passes for 367 yards against Chicago on October 11. He threw 2 touchdown passes and finished with a passer rating of 137.5.
Love completed several long passes as Green Bay attacked Chicago’s secondary throughout the game. His passing performance helped the Packers produce 31 points and maintain control after the Bears scored their only touchdown.
Christian Watson scores 2 touchdowns
Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson caught 2 touchdown passes from quarterback Jordan Love against Chicago. The scoring plays covered 42 and 53 yards, providing Green Bay with important contributions from its passing attack.
Watson’s first touchdown completed a 91-yard opening drive for the Packers. His second came during the third quarter, extending Green Bay’s lead after Chicago had reduced the earlier deficit to 7 points.
Caleb Williams misses third straight game
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams missed his 3rd consecutive game because of a hamstring injury suffered against the Minnesota Vikings on September 20, 2026. His absence continued through Chicago’s October 11 matchup with Green Bay.
Tyson Bagent started against the Packers after Case Keenum opened the previous game against the New York Jets. Chicago entered Green Bay with a 3 and 1 record following victories over Philadelphia and New York.
Tyson Bagent struggles against Packers
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent completed 12 of 21 passes for 87 yards against Green Bay. He threw 2 interceptions before coach Ben Johnson replaced him with veteran quarterback Case Keenum during the fourth quarter.
Keenum entered after Chicago struggled to move the ball consistently against Green Bay’s defense. He completed passes to Luther Burden III, but another interception ended a scoring opportunity near the Packers’ goal line.
Ben Johnson addresses Chicago’s mistakes
Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson acknowledged problems with his team’s execution following the October 11 defeat. He discussed mistakes involving ball security, offensive production, and defensive coverage during his comments after the game.
According to Chicago’s official recap, the Bears gained 246 total yards against Green Bay. That performance followed 2 consecutive victories in which Chicago averaged 433.5 yards, highlighting the decline in offensive production.
Chicago Bears rush for only 81 yards
The Chicago Bears gained only 81 rushing yards against Green Bay on October 11, 2026. Chicago entered the game averaging an NFL-leading 196.3 rushing yards per contest, according to the team’s official recap.
The performance was 115.3 yards below Chicago’s previous rushing average. Running back D’Andre Swift scored the Bears’ only touchdown on a 1-yard run during the second quarter, cutting Green Bay’s lead to 14 to 7.
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Chicago Bears prepare for Atlanta Falcons
The Chicago Bears fell to 3 wins and 2 losses after their Week 5 defeat against Green Bay. The result ended a 2 game winning streak following victories over Philadelphia and New York.
Chicago is scheduled to visit the Atlanta Falcons on October 18, 2026, for its next regular-season game. Green Bay also holds a 3-2 record after its victory over Chicago.
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Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith’s criticism of the Bears, or was their pregame trash talk just part of the rivalry? Share your thoughts in the comments.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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